Bell’s Palsy Jose S. Santiago M.D.

Bell’s Palsy Palsy- paralysis of a part of the body Bell’s palsy- paralysis or weakness of muscles on one side of the face Irritation of the Facial Nerve ( CN VII) which supplies the muscles of facial expression and anterior 2/3 of the tongue

Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy 1. Sudden weakness or paralysis on 1 side of the face (Main Symptom) 2. Numbness in the affected side of the face 3. Pain in the ear 4. Drooling 5. Eye problems 6. Loss of ability to taste

Treatment of Bell’s Palsy 1. Corticosteroids 2. Physiotherapy 3. Silver Spike Point Electrotherapy (SSP)

SSP- Silver Spike Point Therapy Silver Spike Point Electrotherapy (SSP)- uses low frequency electrical stimulation and provides non-invasive pain relief Also called needle-free acupuncture

Case 2 A 30 year old lady, Mrs. Lee comes to the Physical Therapy Department with Bell’s palsy. She complains that her mouth is deviated to one side and she cannot close her eyes.

L: Lady T: Therapist L: _______, sir. T: _______. What can I do for you? L: The doctor prescribed me ____________ treatment. T: Can I _____ your prescription? L: Yes. Here it is.

L: Lady T: Therapist T: Please wait here. I will _____ your chart. L: Yes, I will wait. T: Please come in. What’s your problem? L: I cannot ______ my eyes _____ this morning and my mouth is deviated to one side. So, I ________ the hospital and the neurologist advised me to _____ physical therapy.

L: Lady T: Therapist T: Okay. Do you ______ taste sensation? L: No, I don’t _____ sir and tears _____ out from my eyes continuously. T: You are _______ from Facial Nerve palsy. It is just because of ______ to cold weather. The doctor ________ facial massage and SSP. Please ______ in and ___ down in the ____.

L: Lady T: Therapist L: Yes sir. T: In SSP there are 10 electrodes. It will be ______ to your face. You will ____ a little prickling sensation. Now I will ______ the electrodes. You will ____ a little cold. Now I will ______ the intensity. ______ me if you feel any discomfort. L: Yes it is _____ for me.

L: Lady T: Therapist T: The treatment time is 15 minutes. If you _______ any discomfort please call me. L: Yes, sir. T: Okay, the ________ is over. Now, please close your eyes and ______ my instructions for massage. Be relaxed. Rise and _____ your right eyebrow.

L: Lady T: Therapist L: Am I doing it ______? T: Yes, good. Now, open and ______ your mouth. Yes, it is _____. I will _____ you some instructions. Please follow it. Avoid ______ cold _____ and exposure to cold weather. Always use a cotton plug in your ears.

L: Lady T: Therapist L: Sure, sir. I will _____ all your instructions. Thank you. T: You are welcome.